France Fuel Crisis Deepens as 11% of Petrol Stations Face Supply Shortages

France is facing growing fuel supply pressures, with 11% of service stations reporting shortages of at least one type of petrol or diesel, according to the latest government data.

Figures recorded at 9 am on September 18 showed that about one in every nine stations nationwide was experiencing supply difficulties. The proportion has increased steadily, rising from 9% on Wednesday evening to 10% on Thursday and 11% by Friday morning.

The shortages are more widespread in several regions. Grand Est reported the highest proportion of affected stations at 16%, followed by Centre-Val de Loire and Occitanie at 14% each. Pays de la Loire recorded 13%.

Official Data May Not Capture Full Extent

The government’s figures classify a station as facing supply difficulties when it lacks at least one category of petrol or diesel. However, the methodology does not count a petrol shortage if another petrol grade remains available.

For instance, a station that has run out of SP95 but still has SP98 or SP95-E10 would not be recorded as experiencing a petrol shortage. The government monitors roughly 9,900 registered service stations, while E85 and LPG are excluded from the calculation.

As a result, the reported 11% figure may not fully reflect the problems faced by motorists looking for specific fuel types.

Diesel Prices Approach New Highs

The worsening availability comes as fuel prices continue to rise across France.

Reuters reported that the average price of diesel reached about €2.38 per litre on Thursday, close to the previous record. An AFP analysis based on prices from more than 9,000 stations showed the average diesel price exceeding €2.39 per litre on Friday, surpassing the previous record set in April 2026.

Petrol prices have also increased. Reuters reported average Friday prices of €2.160 per litre for SP95-E10, €2.240 for SP95 and €2.250 for SP98.

AFP’s analysis found that more than 700 stations were selling diesel for above €2.50 per litre, while around 70 stations had prices exceeding €2.70.

Government Steps Up Response

French authorities are taking measures to protect fuel supplies and limit the impact of rising prices.

The government said it was working to secure supplies and manage price pressures amid wider tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions associated with the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. Measures have also been introduced to increase refinery output and adjust maintenance schedules in an effort to maximise production.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked ministers to extend targeted assistance for sectors affected by higher fuel costs through the end of the year.

The measures include additional fuel support for fishermen, as well as assistance for farmers and companies operating in construction and public works.

With fuel availability declining in parts of the country and petrol and diesel prices reaching record or near-record levels, pressure is mounting on motorists and fuel-dependent industries across France.